To whom it may concern:
My name is Jaxon Missey. I am an alumnus of the Class of 2018 from Newcastle High School. I graduated as a valedictorian, multi-sport athlete, and Class President. After high school, I attended the University of Central Oklahoma on a leadership scholarship, graduating top of my class. Now, I am entering my final year at Georgetown University Law Center.
I am proud to be an alumnus of Newcastle Public Schools. My pride does not come from an elite education–or even a nationally average one. My satisfaction comes from the relationships I made and the lessons I learned there as a young man. I am particularly thankful for the relationship I had with Coach Mike Crossley.
Although Newcastle is rapidly growing, the “small-town life” gossip is very much alive. I became aware that Coach Crossley’s job is now in question. I have not spoken to Coach Crossley since I graduated in 2018, and I am seldom back in town. So, you must understand my surprise when I heard that the winningest coach in the history of Newcastle sports is now fighting for his job. I asked, “Is he retiring?” “Is he sick?” “Are they interviewing for three additional groundskeeping positions as well?”
I had the privilege of playing baseball for Coach Crossley for six years. Playing for Coach Crossley meant that you were more than a ballplayer–you were a young man. You represented your family, your school, and yourself with pride in everything you did. Whether in the classroom, how your uniform looked on game day, or how you handled a tough loss: you carried yourself with pride.
Through baseball, Coach Crossley taught me that discipline is the critical element of success. Success is not defined by talent or false praise. Every individual detail, choice, and decision create it. In baseball, it takes a collective. Only a team of disciplined individuals can succeed– you cannot go at it alone. From the dugout to the pitching mound, each person must be 100% engaged. There is no time for hubris, pity, or self-loathing. Sometimes you will lose, but more often, you will win. In Coach Crossley’s case, you will win a hell of a lot more. And you will never lose because the other team worked harder, was coached harder, or prepared more than you. That is success — in baseball and life.
This mentality is not lip-service. Coach Crossley embodies everything he preaches; he is a competitor. He will, and always has, worked tirelessly for his players. When folks arrive at the much less funded baseball and softball complex, they find one of the state’s most polished and manicured facilities. Hell will freeze over before Coach Crossley gives up on an opportunity to compete. Players want to play for Coach like that.
I write this letter to give the perspective of a former player with just enough time to engage with the real world. From the small town of Newcastle, OK, to the chaos of Washington, D.C., I have found that discipline, overcoming adversity, and personal accountability are the ingredients to success. In large part, I owe these lessons to people like Coach Crossley.
As you interview others for the position, I urge you to consider the role of a high school coach. What kind of players do you want representing your school? What kind of men and women do you want to send into the world? What duty do you owe students to ensure they are equipped for life? I played for many coaches in high school, and I can confidently say that Coach Crossley is one of the best coaches and one of the most impactful influences on my young life. Young people need a Coach Crossley. I certainly did.
I realize that my testimony may mean little to you. But do not just look to me; look to the community. Look to generations of men and women who share my sentiment. Look to the alums that return to celebrate his accomplishments decades after graduation. And if all of that is not enough, look to his wins.
I have the utmost respect for Coach Crossley. And after all that he has done, and continues to do, this administration should too. As a young man trying to make his way in the world, I am thankful to have learned from Coach Mike Crossley. I should not have to write this letter at all. But since circumstances have begged the question, I am happy to help show the answer. Coach Crossley would fight tooth and nail so I could have any opportunity. I am now proud to do the same. Sincerely,
